Do I need to make cuts when using a reflux still?
A more complex still with a chamber called the ‘reflux’ condenser, where steam is filtered and some of the unwanted elements are returned to the boiling vessel. This type of still strips all flavours out to produce a pure plain spirit. You don’t need to make ‘cuts’ on this type of still (only discarding the foreshots).
What temperature do you run a reflux still at?
If, for example, 90°C / 194°F is the optimal head temperature for your reflux still column to collect alcohol, if the temperature increases during the distillation, the distiller can increase the reflux ratio and thereby increase the amount of ABV being sent over to the product condenser.
How do you make a reflux column still?
Building The Reflux Column of the Still
- Step 1 – Drill a 3/8 ” hole in the top of the 2″ end cap. Fit the rubber grommet and thermometer into the hole to make sure they fit.
- Step 2 – Place 3″ long piece of 2″ copper pipe into top of 2 x 2 x. 1 ½” tee and solder in place.
- Place Cap on top of 3″ copper pipe.
How does a Boka reflux still work?
As the boiler is heated, vapors begin to rise through the column. When these vapors come in contact with the condenser, they condense to a liquid and fall back down the column where they are collected by the slanted plates for takeoff or return to the column.
How fast should moonshine drip?
Slowly bring your temperature up to 150 °F. Once you reach 150 °F, if your setup has a condenser turn on the condensing water. Next, dial up your heat source to high until your still starts producing. Time your drips as they speed up until you reach 3 to 5 drips per second.
How do you clean a copper reflux still?
For a thorough clean, rinse the column with a citric acid mix (2 Tbsp citric acid to 4 L of water) then flush with water 2 or 3 times to get rid of the acid. You can also unpack your column and soak your saddles in a citric acid mix before rinsing them and placing them back into the column again.
How long should a reflux column be?
about three feet long
The reflux column is the tube that runs straight up from the top of the boiler. The column is made from 2″ copper tubing, is about three feet long, and has a thermometer mounted in the top cap.
Can you double distill with an air still?
If you are wanting to double distil the spirit you have collected from your Air Still, we recommend topping up to the 4 L (1.1 US Gal) max line with water. Put the 700 ml (23.7 US fl oz) of alcohol you’ve collected from the first run, back into the boiler and top up to the 4 L (1.1 US Gal) max line with water.
What is the reflux column of a still?
Building The Reflux Column of the Still. The reflux column is the part of the Still that is responsible for producing high proof alcohol. It does this by producing multiple distillations within the column. To build the Reflux column we need to assemble a few things first.
How can I increase the reflux of my still?
To increase the amount of Reflux within the column of the still I’ve run the 1/2 ” supply and return lines to the condenser through the column. For the still to operate correctly the direction of water flow is important. The water should enter the bottom of the condenser and exit out the top. See illustration above for details.
How big of a column do you need for Boka reflux?
Too small of a space may increase vapor speed in the column after the constriction and minimize the time the vapor spends condensing at the condenser coils. The general consensus is that 0.75 to 1″ (17-25mm) is best in a 2″ (50mm) column.
What should head temperature be for reflux still column?
If, for example, 90°C / 194°F is the optimal head temperature for your reflux still column to collect alcohol, if the temperature increases during the distillation, the distiller can increase the reflux ratio and thereby increase the amount of ABV being sent over to the product condenser.